File photo of Jasprit Bumrah.© AFP

“Gutted” and “hurt” after South Africa’s heartbreak in the T20 World Cup final, skipper Aiden Markram was aware that they could have won the game against India while hunting down 177, which they felt was a “chasable total”. South Africa stood so close to the trophy yet ended up so far. They had a sniff at lifting their World Cup trophy when the equation read 26 runs needed in the final four overs. With Heinrich Klaasen bossing the spinners and David Miller waiting to open his arms on the other end, victory seemed just moments away from South Africa’s grasp.

But the dynamics and the calculus of the game shifted when Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah decided to bear the brunt of the power-hitting duo.

The game went down the wire, but India held their nerves and emerged victorious with a 7-run win, leaving South Africa in a position from which they will take some time to reflect on their campaign.

“Gutted for the time being. It’ll take some time for us to have a really good reflection on a really good campaign the group had. Obviously, for the time being, like I mentioned, it hurts quite a bit. Having said that, I’m incredibly proud of this group of players and everyone involved with the team. I feel they bowled well. Don’t think there was a whole lot to work with regards to the pitch. Thought we did well to restrict them to what we thought was a chaseable total. Thought we batted really well as well, and it came down to the wire,” Markram said in the post-match presentation.

It was a game that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats with all its expected twists and turns. After Klaasen’s quick-fire fifty ended, things quickly changed, taking the game out of South Africa’s hands.

In the next eighteen deliveries, South Africa lost two wickets while managing to put just ten turns on the board, leaving them in a peculiar situation in the final over.

“A really good game of cricket. We’ve seen with a lot of our games in this campaign – it’s never over till the last ball is bowled. We never got comfortable, there’s always an element of scoreboard pressure. And especially at the back end, things happen quite quickly and can turn quite quickly as well. We got into a great position, which proves we’re worthy finalists,” Markram added.

When Klaasen was muscling away spinners to pick effortless boundaries, South Africa looked destined to lift their maiden T20I trophy. However, things didn’t eventually fall in their favour, yet their inspiring journey remains a proud moment for them.

“Could’ve won the game today. Unfortunately, we didn’t. Still, like I mentioned, incredibly proud of the group. Hopefully, in a really good way. One thing guaranteed about South Africans, wherever they are in the world, is they’re a really competitive person, really respectful person, and a person that will go down with a fight. Hopefully, looking forward, we can draw a lot from those few things and keep putting the skill side of the sport to good use. It’s still a proud moment for us,” Markram concluded.

India vs South Africa Live: Squads –

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal

South Africa: Quinton de Kock(w), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram(c), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Ryan Rickelton

The T20 World Cup 2024 final will witness South Africa clashing with India at the Kensington Oval on June 29. Both teams have showcased exceptional skill, strategy, and resilience throughout the tournament, setting the stage for an epic encounter. South Africa’s unbeaten run in their T20 World Cup campaign saw them reaching the final after a dominant nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan. Similarly, India had a stellar journey, securing their spot in the final by defeating England by 68 runs.

Ahead of this thrilling showdown, let’s take a look at the Proteas’ predicted XI as they prepare to face the formidable Men in Blue on Saturday.

Predicted XI

Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper)

Quinton de Kock, the hard-hitting batter, is expected to open the innings for South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final. With 2,545 runs in 91 matches, averaging 31.41 and a strike rate of 138.54 in T20Is, the left-hander has the potential to set a solid foundation for his team.

De Kock has led his team from the front this World Cup and is the highest run-scorer for South Africa with 204 runs in eight matches. His capability to score fours and sixes in bulk during the powerplay poses a significant threat to India’s bowling attack.

Reeza Hendricks

Reeza Hendricks is expected to open the innings alongside Quinton de Kock in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final against India. Renowned for his knack of anchoring the innings, Hendricks has amassed 1,938 runs in 67 T20I matches.

Although the right-hander hasn’t had a standout World Cup, scoring 109 runs in 8 matches, his capability to stabilise the innings could provide much-needed solidity to South Africa’s top order.

Aiden Markram (captain)

South Africa captain Aiden Markram’s inclusion in the playing XI is a significant boost to the team’s middle order. Markram, known for his elegant stroke play and ability to accelerate the scoring rate, has notched up 1,237 runs in 47 T20I matches while maintaining a strike rate of 144.

As South Africa prepare to face a formidable Indian side, Markram’s experience and composure with the bat and in the field will be pivotal in navigating the high-pressure moments in this crucial match.

Heinrich Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen’s inclusion against India adds explosive power to South Africa’s middle order. Renowned for his aggressive batting and ability to score rapidly under pressure, Klaasen has accumulated 860 runs in 51 T20Is with a strike rate of 140.52.

Despite an underwhelming T20 World Cup, Klaasen’s proficiency against both pace and spin makes him a valuable asset against India’s versatile bowling attack.

David Miller

David Miller’s inclusion against India brings a wealth of experience and finishing prowess to the team. Known for his powerful hitting and ability to change the course of a match in the death overs, Miller has been a consistent performer in high-pressure situations.

The South African southpaw has scored 2,416 runs in 124 T20I matches backed by a strike rate of 140.71. Miller’s presence will be crucial in adding depth and firepower to the batting lineup come Saturday.

Tristan Stubbs

Tristan Stubbs will bring energy and innovative batting to the South African lineup. Known for his fearless approach and ability to score quickly, Stubbs brings a fresh dynamism to the middle order. His agility in the field and versatility with the bat make him a valuable asset, capable of shifting through the gears in crucial moments.

Stubbs’ knack for scoring runs in the middle has seen him pile up 373 runs in 25 matches. The right-hander is likely to play a key role in injecting impetus and unpredictability to South Africa’s game plan.

Marco Jansen

Bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen brings firepower to SA’s destructive pace attack. Known for his tall stature and ability to extract bounce and movement from the pitch, Jansen has taken 12 wickets in as many T20I matches so far while maintaining an economy rate of 8.01.

Along with his ability to strike with the ball in crucial moments of the match, Jansen’s capability to contribute with the bat has seen him score 62 runs in 12 T20I matches and he will have a big role to play against India come Saturday.

Keshav Maharaj

Known for his exceptional spin bowling and control, Keshav Maharaj brings an element of surprise to South Africa’s bowling attack on the spin-friendly pitches. His ability to contain runs and take key wickets in the middle overs makes him a valuable asset in high-pressure situations. The left-arm orthodox bowler has scalped 33 wickets in 34 T20I matches.

Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada’s inclusion to the playing XI against India comes as no surprise considering he’s one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket. Rabada’s pace, precision, and ability to deliver under pressure make him a crucial asset in South Africa’s bowling attack. Known to strike early with the new ball thanks to his accurate lengths in the death overs, Rabada has clinched 70 wickets in 64 T20I matches.

With 12 wickets in eight matches in the ongoing World Cup, Rabada’s experience and fiery temperament will be pivotal in curbing India’s formidable batting lineup and steering South Africa towards victory.

Anrich Nortje

Protea pacer Anrich Nortje is set to lead the South African pace attack in the upcoming encounter. Known for his express pace and ability to generate bounce on any surface, Nortje has been instrumental in guiding his team to the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

The right-arm fast bowler has taken 51 wickets in 41 T20I matches. He has enjoyed a stellar run in the ongoing T20 World Cup, emerging as South Africa’s highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets in eight matches. South Africa will rely on his pace and wicket-taking ability to challenge India’s formidable batting lineup.

Tabraiz Shamsi

Tabraiz Shamsi’s inclusion in the playing XI adds more versatility to South Africa’s bowling attack. As a left-arm wrist spinner, Shamsi brings variety and the ability to disrupt the rhythm of India’s strong batting lineup. Known for his deceptive googlies and variations, Shamsi has taken 89 wickets in 69 T20I matches with an economy rate of 7.38.

The Protea spinner enters this upcoming contest following a 3-wicket haul in just 1.5 overs against Afghanistan. His knack for breaking partnerships besides also containing runs will be crucial in curbing India’s total in the final.

The highly anticipated final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024, will feature a thrilling showdown between South Africa and India. This grand finale is scheduled to take place at the historic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 29, commencing at 08:00 PM IST.

SA vs IND, Final Preview

South Africa comes into the final with significant momentum, having secured a commanding nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan in their previous match. Key to this success was the performance of Tabraiz Shamsi, who earned an impressive 107 fantasy points, showcasing his pivotal role in the team’s spin bowling attack.

India, on the other hand, delivered a dominant performance in their semi-final clash against England, winning by a substantial margin of 68 runs. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer for India, scoring 123 fantasy points thanks to his exceptional bowling skills, which will be crucial in the final.

SA vs IND, Head-to-Head

In their last encounter during the third T20I of a bilateral series in South Africa in 2023, the two teams demonstrated their competitive spirit. Keshav Maharaj was South Africa’s top fantasy scorer with 65 points, while Kuldeep Yadav led the charge for India with a remarkable 187 fantasy points.

Historically, in the 26 matches played between these two cricketing giants, the batters from both sides have consistently accumulated the most fantasy points, highlighting the importance of batting prowess in this rivalry.

SA vs IND, Top Players to Watch Out For

Arshdeep Singh (IND)

Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm medium-fast bowler, has been in superb form, taking 12 wickets in his last five matches. His ability to take crucial wickets makes him a key player to watch out for in the final.

Hardik Pandya (IND)

Hardik Pandya, known for his all-round capabilities, has been a vital asset for India. In his recent three outings, he has scored 132 runs in the recent five matches and has picked up three wickets with the ball.

Rishabh Pant (IND)

Rishabh Pant, a dynamic left-handed top-order batter and wicketkeeper, has had a mixed run in this tournament, with 171 runs in the recent seven matches at an average of 28.50. Despite the inconsistency, his aggressive batting style can turn the game around.

Tabraiz Shamsi (SA)

Tabraiz Shamsi, a slow left-arm chinaman bowler, has been a standout performer for South Africa, taking 11 wickets at an average of 9.3 in his last four matches. His wicket-taking ability will be crucial in the final against India.

Quinton de Kock (SA)

Quinton de Kock, a left-handed top-order batter and wicketkeeper, has shown his class with 204 runs in the recent eight matches at a strike rate of 143.66. His experience and ability to score runs quickly make him a key player for South Africa.

Marco Jansen (SA)

Marco Jansen, an all-rounder who bowls left-arm medium-fast, has taken six wickets in this tournament. With the bat, he has contributed 30 runs, showcasing his versatility and importance to the team.

Conclusion

Given their performances in the tournament so far, South Africa will rely on their strong bowling line-up, led by the likes of Tabraiz Shamsi and Marco Jansen. However, India’s balanced team, featuring impactful players like Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh, cannot be underestimated. This final promises to be a gripping contest, with both teams vying for the prestigious title.

Semi-Final 1 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024 will be played between South Africa and Afghanistan (SA vs AFG). The match will be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (IST). In the last match played by South Africa, they beat West Indies by three wickets (DLS method). The top fantasy player for South Africa was Tabraiz Shamsi who scored 85 fantasy points. In Afghanistan’s last match in the tournament, they beat Bangladesh by eight runs (DLS method). The top fantasy player for Afghanistan was Rashid Khan who scored 157 fantasy points.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The pitch at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago is balanced. The average 1st innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 117 runs. The team winning the toss should look to bowl first as the majority of the games played on this ground have been won by the chasing side.

Pace or Spin?

The venue is suited for both Pacers and Spinners alike.

Weather Report

Temperature will hover around 23.56 degree C and humidity is expected to be around 91%. Winds at a speed of 1.89 m/s are expected.

Head-to-Head

In the two matches played between these two teams, South Africa has won all their matches. Protea wicket-keepers have earned the most fantasy points for their team, while all-rounders have earned the most fantasy points for Afghanistan.

Fantasy Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks

Fazalhaq Farooqi

Fazalhaq Farooqi is a good-to-have player for your Fantasy Team. He has an average of 61 match fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 9.3. Farooqi has picked up 16 wickets in the recent seven matches at an impressive economy rate of 6.38.

Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock can be a good pick for your Fantasy Team. He has an average of 48 match fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 7.8. The left-handed opener has scored 199 runs in the recent seven matches at a strike rate of 148.50.

Naveen-ul-Haq

Naveen-ul-Haq can be a good pick for your Fantasy Team. He has an average of 60 match fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 9. The right-arm medium pacer has taken 13 wickets in the recent seven matches at an excellent economy rate of 6.12.

Tristan Stubbs

Tristan Stubbs is a good-to-have player for your Fantasy Team. He has an average of 41 match fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 7.7. The explosive right-handed batter has scored 134 runs in the recent seven matches at an average of 33.50.

Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan is a spin bowler with an average of 75 match fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 8.2 and is a fairly consistent player in terms of fantasy points. The leg-break bowler has scalped 14 wickets in the recent seven matches at an economy rate of 6.10.

SA vs AFG Possible Playing XI

South Africa (SA) Possible Playing XI: Quinton de Kock, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen

Afghanistan (AFG) Possible Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Nangeyalia Kharote, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi

SA vs AFG Fantasy Team

Wicket-Keeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Quinton de Kock

Batters: Ibrahim Zadran and Tristan Stubbs

All-Rounders: Marco Jansen, Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi

Bowlers: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Rashid Khan and Keshav Maharaj

Captain: Fazalhaq Farooqi

Vice-Captain: Quinton de Kock

South Africa will take on Afghanistan in the Semi-Final 1 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday. South Africa comes into this match with momentum, having defeated West Indies by three wickets (DLS method). Tabraiz Shamsi was the standout performer for South Africa, amassing 85 fantasy points. On the other hand, Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by eight runs (DLS method) to qualify for the T20 World Cup Semi-Final for the first time. Rashid Khan was the top fantasy performer for Afghanistan, scoring 157 points.

Head-to-Head

Historically, South Africa have dominated Afghanistan in two T20Is both the teams have played each other.

South African wicket-keepers have earned the most fantasy points for their team, while all-rounders have earned the most fantasy points for Afghanistan.

The last meeting between these teams was in Match 20l of the Men’s T20 World Cup, 2016, where AB de Villiers and Mohammad Shahzad scored the highest fantasy points for their respective teams.

Key Players to Watch

Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG)

Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi, a left-arm medium-fast bowler, has been in stellar form, taking 16 wickets in his last seven matches.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)

Afghanistan’s explosive top-order batter, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, has been having a dream run in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Gurbaz has smashed 281 runs in the recent seven matches at an average of 40.14.

Quinton de Kock (SA)

Quinton de Kock, South Africa’s star wicketkeeper-batter, has been one of the leading run-scorers in the tournament. The southpaw has amassed 199 runs in the recent seven matches at a strike rate of 148.50.

Anrich Nortje (SA)

South Africa’s fast bowler, Anrich Nortje, has been playing a vital role in their bowling unit since the last two T20 World Cups. Nortje has scalped 11 wickets in the recent seven matches at an economy of 6.0.

Rashid Khan (AFG)

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan has been leading his side from the front in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The leg spinner has scalped 14 wickets in the recent seven matches at an impressive economy rate of 6.10.

Tristan Stubbs (SA)

South Africa’s explosive middle-order batter, Tristan Stubbs, has been playing an X-factor in the Proteas’ playing XI. The explosive right-handed batter has smashed 134 runs in the recent seven matches at an average of 33.50.

WI vs SA T20 World Cup 2024 LIVE Updates: West Indies final chance in Super 8.© X (Twitter)

West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 Live Streaming: West Indies could see curtains drawn to their 2024 T20 World Cup on home soil, if they lose to South Africa in the final Super 8 game. West Indies currently lie on the same number of points as England, but with a better net run rate, and a loss for the English to the USA would see West Indies and South Africa qualify no matter what. While South Africa come into the game with a 100% win record in the T20 World Cup so far, a big defeat for them, along with a big win for England, could dramatically swing the scales.

When will the West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match be played?

The West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be played on Monday, June 24 (IST).

Where will the West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match be played?

The West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.

What time will the West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match start?

The West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will start at 6:00 AM IST. The toss will take place at 5:30 AM IST.

Which TV channels will telecast the West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match?

The West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be telecast in India on the Star Sports Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match?

The West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be streamed live on Disney plus Hotstar app and website.

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)

After their narrow loss to South Africa, England captain Jos Buttler admitted that his batters couldn’t match the big-hitting prowess of Proteas keeper-batter Quinton de Kock. England lost to South Africa by seven-run loss in their T20 World Cup Super Eight match in Gros Islet, St Lucia on Friday. De Kock slammed a 38-ball 65-run knock studded with four sixes and as many fours to power South Africa to 163 for six in 20 overs. In reply, England were restricted to 156/6, despite Harry Brooks’s 37-ball 53.

However, a huge controversy erupted when de Kock was controversially given not out by the third umpire.

The incident happened on the second ball of the ninth over after Mark Wood took, what it seemed like a regulation catch, at deep backward square leg.

De Kock pulled Adil Rashid‘s delivery but could only find Wood, who seemed to have taken a clean catch. De Kock, however, wasn’t convinced as he asked the on-field umpire to take the third umpire’s help.

The third umpire went through multiple replays before concluding that the ball had touched the ground, declaring de Kock as not out.

Watch the controversial moment here:

De Kock given not out! Whats your opinion? pic.twitter.com/cCzxsD50HY

— GoalsAndWickets (@GoalsnWickets) June 21, 2024

Speaking on the loss, Buttler said that de Kock’s innings was the “difference” between the two teams.

Quinton de kock thought it was the clean catch but third umpire gave not out #ENGvsSA pic.twitter.com/TAZOuKHq0g

— Lavesh Jain (@lavesh_jain10) June 21, 2024

Was Quinton De Kock Out or Not out ? pic.twitter.com/pBWxQazeSh

— Extra Cover (@_extracover_) June 21, 2024

Quinton de Kock Out or Not out…..!!#T20WorldCup #SAvsENG pic.twitter.com/EzeKyXygXn

— Cric Choice (@CricChoice) June 21, 2024

“I think the way Quinny played at the top sort of really put us under a lot of pressure and (he) played some great shots and we weren’t able to match that,” Buttler said during the post-match press conference.

“I think that was the difference in the game.”

“The tougher overs in the power play today were from the bottom end which de Kock really took on and took some risks and played well, so as I’ve mentioned, I felt like the power play was the difference in the game,” he said.

“I think the way Quinny could bat at the rate that none of us could bat at for — but like I say, yeah, we fought back brilliantly well with the ball and restricted a really strong line-up to what was about a par score probably.”

(With ANI Inputs)